Outemu Blue vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out as popular choices. The Outemu Blue switch is celebrated for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is renowned for its linear design, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. While the Outemu Blue switch delivers a sharp and defined click sound, the V3 Piano Pro switch produces a snappy and lively sound signature that adds a unique crispness to typing. Both switches have their own strengths, with the Outemu Blue excelling in clicky feedback and the V3 Piano Pro in smooth actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Akko V3 Piano Pro both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Blue's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro also uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile as the bottom housing.
The choice of housing material for switches plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing provides a unique sound profile with its crispness and clarity, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the switches' overall sound by absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. The differences in top housing materials between the two switches highlight the importance of considering how each housing material affects the sound and feel of the switch during use.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and Akko V3 Piano Pro contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which enhance the overall sound experience by absorbing more sound. When considering which switch to use, it's important to factor in how the different housing materials impact the sound and feel of typing, whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound or a deeper and fuller tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Blue switch is unknown, while the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Blue switch requiring a bit more force to register a keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Blue switch providing a more tactile and clicky feel, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a smoother and quieter linear experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Blue has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm. The Blue's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional key press feel, while the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm provides a slightly quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro for faster inputs, while those who enjoy a deeper key press experience may opt for the Blue with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue switch is best known for its clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is recognized for its clacky and resonant sound profile. The Piano Pro switches deliver a sharp and snappy sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to typing, offering an immersive auditory experience. While the Blue switch offers a classic clicky sound, the V3 Piano Pro switch provides a unique and vibrant sound signature that can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, giving users a sense of feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These attributes contribute to a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like response, reduced friction, and a refined finish. The V3 Piano Pro switch offers a pleasant tactile sensation that can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch provides a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback, the V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a unique clacky sound with a smooth and bouncy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, each catering to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience. With either switch, users can expect a quality mechanical keyboard experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when selecting between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a clicky sound and light actuation force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a snappy sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch with its medium-light actuation force could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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